According to Air Cargo News, DHL Global Forwarding has acquired Uruguay-based Aero Cargas, establishing its first direct operation in the country and strengthening its logistics footprint across Latin America.
Strategic Expansion into Uruguay
The acquisition marks DHL Global Forwarding’s entry into Uruguay — a nation positioned at the intersection of Atlantic shipping routes and the Southern Cone’s primary inland waterways. With more than 58 years of experience in South American logistics and a 33-year partnership with DHL Group, Aero Cargas brings deep regional expertise. Its operational strengths include air and ocean freight, industrial project logistics, land transport, and customized multimodal services — all critical amid ongoing geopolitical tensions that have exposed vulnerabilities in traditional trade lanes.
Uruguay’s growing role as a regional distribution hub is underscored by the fact that more than $1 billion worth of pharmaceuticals moves through the country annually. Global pharma brands increasingly rely on Uruguay to reprocess, repackage, and re-export active ingredients and finished products to markets including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.
Aero Cargas will join the DHL Global Forwarding Peru-Ecuador-Argentina-Chile (PAC) cluster, led by Eduardo Rodrigues, chief executive PAC DHL Global Forwarding. All employees of the former company will transition to DHL Global Forwarding.
Enhanced Capabilities in Life Sciences & Infrastructure
The deal significantly bolsters DHL Global Forwarding’s capabilities in Life Sciences & Healthcare, Free Trade Zone logistics, and industrial project forwarding. Aero Cargas’ track record in pharmaceutical logistics, regional inventory management, and Free Trade Zone operations directly supports DHL’s dedicated strategy for the sector. In 2025, DHL Group announced an investment plan of EUR 2 billion, with about 10% expected to be allocated to Latin America — part of which will now be deployed in Montevideo to serve healthcare customers.
“Latin America is becoming increasingly important as companies diversify supply chains and strengthen regional distribution networks,” said Oscar de Bok, chief executive DHL Global Forwarding.
“With Aero Cargas S.A., we are establishing DHL Global Forwarding’s first direct presence in Uruguay and are adding a strategic logistics platform that enhances connectivity across the Americas.”
According to Erik Meade, chief executive DHL Global Forwarding Latin America, the Montevideo presence allows DHL to place investments “where our healthcare customers need these services most.” The move coincides with Uruguay’s rapid expansion as a South American digital hub, anchored by massive investments from multinational tech giants and state-backed AI infrastructure.
Integration and Leadership Alignment
Natalia Sadurskas, general manager of Aero Cargas, emphasized continuity and growth:
“Over the past three decades, our partnership with DHL has allowed us to build strong customer relationships and develop specialized logistics capabilities. Joining DHL Global Forwarding marks an exciting new chapter for our employees and customers.”
The integration unifies Aero Cargas’ local market knowledge with DHL’s global reach and operational excellence. It also reinforces DHL’s commitment to high-value sectors including life sciences, industrial projects, and data center supply chains — particularly relevant as Uruguay’s data center sector continues to expand.
Source: Air Cargo News
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
